The chief executive of Tesco’s UK and Ireland business, Charles Wilson, is stepping down following treatment for throat cancer.
Wilson is the former boss of cash-and-carry group Booker and widely viewed as the likely successor to Tesco’s group chief executive, Dave Lewis. He took on the role at Tesco UK when the supermarket chain bought the wholesaler for £3.7bn earlier this year.
Tesco said Wilson had been diagnosed with throat cancer following an operation to remove his tonsils in April and had undergone daily radiotherapy during May and June.
“The good news is that Charles has responded very well to the treatment and all the signs are that the treatment has been successful,” Tesco said in a statement.
The supermarket group added that, given the nature of the illness and “the need for Charles to remain vigilant in his recuperation”, it was making changes within its senior leadership team.
Wilson will step down from the Tesco board but he will remain on the executive committee and will continue to lead the Booker business, reporting to Lewis.
The retailer said that as well as delivering the planned cost savings and growth from the deal between Tesco and Booker, Wilson would also contribute to the broader Tesco UK strategy.
Tesco shares fell by 1% after the announcement, making the grocer the biggest faller on the FTSE 100.
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